Are You In?

Join our mailing list and receive the latest news and travel offers from our team.
Don’t worry, we hate spam as much as you do!
Newsletter Exit Pop up Form

The World’s Most Majestic Stage: The Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens

We Need Your Support!

We want to remind you that Athens by Locals is reader-supported. By booking tours, hotels, tickets, and other travel services through the links on our website, you can help us continue providing valuable content and information. Note that we receive a small commission only if you make a booking using our links at the time of your visit. So, if you're not quite ready to book yet, you can save this post and the links and return to make your booking when the time is right. We genuinely appreciate your support and are thrilled to have you in our travel community. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. Happy travels!

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus -or simply the “Herodeon” as it is more commonly known- is one of Athens’s most prominent ancient sites. And that says a lot, given that Athens brims with all kinds of archaeological attractions and architectural wonders of a glorious past.

Part of the open-air theater’s present fame stems from its use as a stage for concerts, plays, and various performances.

Its privileged location on the southwestern slope of the Acropolis hasn’t hurt its reputation either.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens. Courtesy: Daxis / flickr.com

In this article, we’ll go through everything you need to know about the famous Odeon of Herodes Atticus: its long history, its location, how and when to visit it, and what you can expect to see there.

Why is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus a unique attraction?

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious theatres.

In the times of ancient Greece, the amphitheaters called Odeons were used for hosting plays and musical performances as well as gathering places for locals – and the “Herodeon” was the most famous among them.

The ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus theatre is a must-see attraction in Athens and is considered one of the greatest open-air theatres in the world. Courtesy: George E. Koronaios / flickr.com

But its fame extended way beyond the ancient era.

Since its reopening about 60 years ago, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus saw world-class artists walking its stage to entertain the crowds like Frank Sinatra, Luciano Pavarotti, Liza Minelli, Maria Callas, Nana Mouskouri, and many more.

Today, this legendary open-air theater serves as the main venue for the events of the Athens Epidaurus Festival, which takes place every year in the summertime, upholding the tradition of hosting extraordinary events at the glorious Odeon.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus – known as the “Herodeon” – hosts Greek and international performances under the Athenian sky

Visiting the Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is only open to the public on certain dates when the theater hosts a performance.

All the events are held from May to October when the Athens Epidaurus Festival takes place, bringing famous plays, ancient Greek tragedies, concerts, dance performances, and more to the famous stage.

Save Money: If you are planning to visit some must-see archaeological sites in Athens, it is much cheaper to buy the combined ticket for all seven ancient sites (incl. the Acropolis) than to buy single tickets.

Visiting the Odeon of Herodes Atticus to enjoy any performance is an experience that we highly recommend.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus during a night-time event.
Courtesy: Martin Cígler

The open-air theater feeling and the venue’s marvelous acoustics will surely be the highlight of your trip. You can find the annual program festival’s here.

Insider’s tip: In order to preserve the condition of the famous theater as best as possible, you can’t visit the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in heels!

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus from above

So what if the dates of the events don’t fit your schedule?

Fortunately, there’s still a way to marvel at the sight of the famous landmark.

You can book an organized tour and combine a hassle-free visit to the Acropolis and a tour of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus with an expert guide.

Luckily for you, we’ve already gone through all available tours and scanned all itineraries to find some that combine the most spectacular highlights at an affordable price.

Herodeon Accessibility

You can visit the Odeon for a performance via a wooden ramp that leads to the lower A1 section of the theater.

There are eight wheelchair spaces available in the A1 section and 13 seats in the A2 section, which visitors with mobility difficulties or other impairments can reserve.

Both wheelchair and non-wheelchair users are entitled to bring one companion with them.

In addition, there is a wheelchair-accessible toilet near the entrance of the Odeon.

Courtesy: George E. Koronaios / flickr.com

Some general notes:

  • Rows 1 and 19 have backs. The other rows do not.
  • There are seat cushions, so you are not sitting directly on the hard marble.
  • No photography or video of the performances is permitted (with or without flash), but unfortunately, the ushers are lax and barely enforce it.
  • Photography is permitted before the show and during the bows.
  • Goods and drinks are not permitted.

The History of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus was built circa 161 AD by the famous Athenian benefactor called Herodes Atticus, after whom it got its name, in memory of his wife Aspasia Annia Regilla.

The impressive sloped theater was the third of its kind to be built in Athens. However, in contrast to the rest, it features an unmistakable Roman character.

Its three-story front wall and astonishing for their time wooden roof and arches, as well as its privileged location on the slopes of the Acropolis Hill, are what made it stand out and become one of the most renowned theaters of its era.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the south slope of the Acropolis with the city of Athens in the background

About a century after it was built, the theater suffered severe damage during the invasion of Heruli and was left in ruins for a long period of time spanning the duration of the Ottoman occupation.

A few restoration projects followed, at the turn of the 20th century to preserve the monument.

The seating area is laid with white marble

Later on, in the years of the German occupation, the Odeon was once again used to host performances, but it wasn’t until 1952 that the city decided to restore the theater to its former glory.

Since its grand reopening in 1955, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus has served as the primary venue for Athens Epidaurus Festival which still takes place every year until today.

Heads Up: If you are planning to visit the must-see archaeological sites in Athens, plus the Acropolis Museum, buy the Athens Pass and save some money.

How to get to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus

“Herodeon” is located on the southern slope of Acropolis Hill, right in the heart of Athens, and it’s easily accessible from any place downtown.

Its entrance can be found on Dionysiou Areopagitou, the busy pedestrian street that runs from Thisseion all the way to the Acropolis Museum.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus and in the background the Parthenon.
Courtesy: George E. Koronaios / flickr.com

Here’s how you can reach the Odeon of Herodes Atticus:

  • On foot: You can easily get to the venue from most central neighborhoods of Athens like Monastiraki, Syntagma, Thisseion, and Koukaki on foot. Walking from these areas would take approximately 20-30 minutes.
  • By metro: The metro station closest to the Odeon is Acropolis station (red line). When you get out of the station, walk up Dionysiou Areopagitou street and you’ll find the entrance in less than 10 minutes.
  • By bus: Get on bus 230 and get off at the stop called “Apheteria” which is located only 2 minutes away from the Acropolis Museum and the Acropolis metro station.

All in all, visiting the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens is an experience that you can’t miss. Especially those of you that will be lucky enough to visit during a live performance is guaranteed to go home with memories that will last a lifetime.

A Quick Reminder:

Remember that Athens By Locals is here to guide you with planning the perfect trip to Athens and help you every step along the way. If you didn’t found what you’re looking for, or need any recommendations about your trip to Athens, feel free to contact us and we will do our best to help you. Please be as more detailed as possible regarding your subject so as to help you better.

If you like what you read please scroll down at the end of this page and subscribe to Athens By Locals so next time to receive more articles like this straight forward to your email. Join us on Facebook for comments, photos, and other fun stuff. If you enjoy this article please share it with your friends on Facebook.

Athens By Locals
Athens By Locals

THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN/EDITED BY A TEAM MEMBER OF ATHENS BY LOCALS

Copyright © 2024 Athens By Locals © All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.
Images owned by Athens By Locals. Image Banks or Companies promoted.